Jemal Developing D.C.'s Historic Hecht's Warehouse

The seven-story Hecht’s warehouse has loomed over New York Avenue in Ivy City since 1937 but has sat empty for years.

Developer Doug Jemal broke ground Tuesday on a project to create 300 new apartments, 250,000 square feet of retail and dining, office space and parking to revive the Ivy City neighborhood, and no residents are being kicked out.

“They engaged us from the beginning,” said Lisa Swanson-Canty of the Ivy City Civic Association.

Swanson-Canty's parents bought into this neighborhood more than 40 years ago. They vowed to stay, though crime and unemployment went up in recent decades.

Jemal said the project will turn the neighborhood into a gateway site.

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